How to Get Married in Arkansas and Plan Your Wedding
Vibrant cities, natural landscapes and quintessential southern charm: Find all this and more in Arkansas. "With a nickname like The Natural State, Arkansas is the perfect natural and beautiful backdrop for any wedding," says Fayetteville-based wedding planner and designer Madison Soderquist of Madison Nicole Weddings. So, if you're wondering how to get married in Arkansas, you're in the right place.
According to Lillie Peterson, event planner and owner of Evergreen Events in Little Rock, "There's truly a venue for every couple, whether you prefer an intimate lakeside ceremony, a charming barn venue or a downtown all-night bash." Additionally, "Arkansas' venue owners and vendors will treat you like family and make sure your day goes off without a hitch."
From specific requirements to get married in Arkansas to the best time to get married in Arkansas, we've compiled everything you need to know before tying the knot here—coupled with expert tips and plenty of wedding venue inspiration.
In this article:
- How to Get a Marriage License in Arkansas
- Notable Wedding Locations in Arkansas
- How to Plan a Wedding in Arkansas Step-by-Step
How to Get a Marriage License in Arkansas
Obtaining an Arkansas marriage license is a pretty straightforward process, so as long as you are over the age of 18. Per Soderquist, you and your fiancé must visit the county clerk's office together, where you'll present your government photo IDs. The filing fee for an Arkansas wedding license is $60, which can be paid with cash or via credit card. Keep in mind that the license is only valid for 60 days per Arkansas wedding laws.
Notable Wedding Locations in Arkansas
With its diverse landscapes and eclectic cities and towns, there is no shortage of stunning Arkansas wedding venues. Ahead are some of our favorite places to say "I do" in The Natural State.
Little Rock Metropolitan Area
Arkansas' capital city and surrounding area, including Hot Springs, is teeming with eclectic venues. "From vineyards and breweries to rustic barns and architectural gems, the options are endless, each with their own unique flavor," Peterson says. A few of our favorites in Little Rock proper include the historic 1877-era Capital Hotel, the industrial-chic Loft 1023 and the sprawling Grandeur House, which feels worlds away from the city.
Additionally, Peterson says, "Little Rock is privileged to host tons of great caterers, florists, bakers and photographers, making it a one-stop shop for wedding planning right here in the area." Bonus: The city boasts its own national airport, making it a convenient pick for out-of-town guests.
Northwest Arkansas
"Northwest Arkansas is absolutely stunning," Peterson says. "Its natural beauty, nestled in the Boston and Ozark Mountains, offers incredible backdrops for outdoor weddings." The scenic, mountain-filled region—which comprises the cities of Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale—is home to some truly unique venues to suit every style, including Sassafras Springs Vineyard, which looks like it's been plucked straight from a storybook, the lush Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and the art-filled 21c Museum Hotel.
Arkansas River Valley
Located in the western part of the state, the Arkansas River Valley—or Arkansas Valley for short—encompasses the region between the Ozark and the Ouachita Mountains. This includes the Fort Smith metropolitan area, the Ozark National Forest and the Altus American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Best of Weddings award-winning Kindred Barn at Essie Lane Farm, with its sleek all-white barn and stunning grounds, is among our favorite venues in the area.
How to Plan a Wedding in Arkansas Step-by-Step
Planning a wedding in Arkansas can be an exciting and stress-free experience. To make the process easier, we've compiled expert-approved tips to help you plan your perfect day.
1. Set a Budget
Before diving deep into the wedding planning process, you'll want to sit down with your partner to develop a budget. Need some extra assistance? Look no further than The Knot Budget Advisor. Moreover, our user-friendly tool offers personalized insights into wedding costs for your chosen location (in this case, Arkansas) based on data from real couples.
2. Book Ahead
Stay on top of the planning process by booking your venue and securing key vendors—including DJs, bands, florists and caterers—as early as possible so you're not scrambling at the last minute. However, narrowing down your team can be tricky, especially with so many options. That's why countless couples turn to The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Not only does our platform allow couples to browse options by price, location and other important details, but it also lets to-be-weds read reviews from real couples.
3. Be Wary of the Weather
According to Peterson, couples getting married in Arkansas must be mindful of the weather. She adds that April and October are among the most popular months to tie the knot. However, "Both are prone to rain, so be sure to have an ironclad rain plan for outdoor weddings." Also, the summers are hot and humid, so you'll want to "keep the comfort of you and your guests in mind" by minimizing your time in the sun. She suggests opting for "morning or evening ceremonies to stay out of the heat of the day." Conversely, "If you don't mind either end of the weather spectrum, you may find substantial discounts in July, August, January and February."
4. Prepare for Rustic Terrain
Many Arkansas wedding venues are situated in beautiful natural surroundings, which means you may have unpaved roads or gravel parking lots. As a result, Peterson stresses the importance of communicating the potentially difficult terrain to guests, especially those with mobility challenges, along with your wedding vendors. However, "A little dirt on the tires is well worth the stunning views on such a memorable day!"
5. Factor Travel Into Your Timeline
"While Arkansas isn't a large state, travel times can be longer than expected, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area," Peterson says. With this in mind, she recommends factoring travel time into your wedding timeline. She also explains that "vendors often charge additional travel fees for work outside metro areas, so check with them early to avoid surprises on the day."